May 12, 2013 - News briefs

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Commission schedules public hearings

OKANOGAN – Monday’s Okanogan County Commission agenda appears light.

The agenda includes a briefing at 9:30 a.m., a discussion about a Washington State University Extension transfer request at 11:30 a.m., a planning department update at 1:30 p.m. and public comment at 4 p.m.

Three public hearings are scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. The first at 1:30 p.m. is an amendment to the county code regarding the board of commissioners. The public hearing at 3:30 p.m. will address a utility franchise that would give the Colville Confederated Tribes access to Peter Dan Road from U.S. Highway 97 to the Ferry County line, for the purposes of installing a fiber-optic line to serve Keller, Public Works Engineer Jeff Tincher said.

The last, scheduled for 4 p.m., addresses the county code for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles and road vacation compensation. Tincher said minor corrections are being made to the wording. Commissioners are also considering changing the speed limit for ATVs from 35 mph to the posted speed limit, as well as requiring ATVs to have headlights and taillights on at all times, rather than from dusk until dawn.

The meetings will be in the commissioners hearing room, 123 N. Fifth Ave.

Utility board to hear equity plan update

OKANOGAN – Commissioners of the Okanogan County Public Utility District will hear an update of the proposed 20-year equity management plan at its next meeting on Tuesday, May 14.

When faced with proposed rate increases this year and next of 13 percent, commissioners asked the contractor, SAIC Energy, Environment and Infrastructure LLC., to come back with more options.

The meeting will be at 12:30 p.m. at the utility’s headquarters, 1331 N. Second Ave.

Omak board considers contract

OMAK – The Omak School Board will meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 15, in the board room at the district office, 621 Jasmine St.

A second meeting is planned at 11:45 a.m. to consider the contract with newly named superintendent Erik Swanson.

A personnel report also is planned.

Utility commissioners hear audit reports

BRIDGEPORT – The Douglas County Public Utility District commissioners will meet at 1 p.m. Monday, May 13, at the Bridgeport office, 109 13th St.

The agenda includes internal audit reports for February and March, a resolution to seek bids for pole testing and treating services, a professional service agreement with the Yakama Nation for white sturgeon egg delivery and an executive session to discuss personnel.

Planning commission meeting set

OKANOGAN – The Okanogan County Planning Commission will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, May 20, in the commissioners’ hearing room of the Grainger Administration Building, 123 N. Fifth Ave.

Fire commission plans Monday meeting

TWISP – The Okanogan County Fire District No. 6 commissioners will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, May 13, at the fire station, 434 Second Ave.

Board of health will meet Tuesday

OKANOGAN – The Okanogan County Public Health Board will meet at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 14 at the Public Health building, 1234 S. Second Ave.